Chapter 134: The Right to Lead.
Alessandro’s POV
Elder Marco, one of the most senior council members, gave me a sharp look.
“We are here to determine the future leadership of this pack, Alessandro.
If you wish to speak, make it quick.”
I met his gaze, my voice steady.
“I believe this decision should not be rushed. Our father, the Alpha, is still alive.
Until he wakes up and names his successor, no one should claim the title.”
Leonardo scoffed.
“You mean to stall until he wakes up and hands it to you?”
I ignored him, keeping my focus on the elders.
“This isn’t about personal gain. It’s about what’s best for the pack.
We don’t know who poisoned Father, and if we make a hasty decision, we could be walking into a bigger trap.”
Murmurs rippled through the council. I could see some of them considering my words, while others exchanged skeptical glances.
Elder Marco tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair.
“And what do you propose, Alessandro?”
I took a deep breath.
“A temporary council-led rule. No single Alpha until Father wakes up and speaks for himself.”
Silence followed. Then, all eyes turned to Leonardo, waiting for his reaction.
Leonardo let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.
“A temporary council-led rule?
Are you serious, Alessandro?
This pack needs a strong leader, not a group of old men debating every decision.”
Elder Marco raised a hand to silence him.
“And yet, a rushed decision could lead to instability. This is not something we take lightly, Leonardo.”
Leonardo’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue further.
Another elder, Elder Tobias, leaned forward.
“Your proposal is reasonable, Alessandro, but temporary leadership requires someone to oversee things.
Someone strong enough to keep order until Alpha John recovers.”
Leonardo smirked. “That someone should be me.”
I clenched my fists but forced myself to stay calm.
“No, it should be decided by the council. If you are chosen fairly, then so be it.
But this isn’t about you or me, Leonardo. This is about the pack.”
Elder Tobias cleared his throat, preparing to speak, but Leonardo wasted no time.
He straightened his posture and addressed the council with confidence.
“With all due respect, elders, the decision should be obvious. I am the eldest son, the rightful heir to the Alpha position.
I have trained for this my entire life, and I understand the weight of leadership.”
His eyes swept over the room.
“This pack needs strength. It needs decisiveness. And that is what I offer.”
Some of the elders nodded thoughtfully, but I stepped forward before Leonardo could continue.
“This pack also needs stability,” I countered, my voice calm yet firm.
“I am not saying Leonardo is incapable, but rushing into this decision without considering all options is reckless.
Our father is still alive, and while he cannot lead at the moment, that doesn’t mean we should make permanent choices based on impatience.”
Leonardo scoffed.
“Impatience?
Alessandro, this is about leadership, not hesitation. Father isn’t in a condition to make decisions, and you know that.
The elders must do what’s best for the pack.”
My eyes darkened, but I kept his composure.
“Exactly. What’s best for the pack. Not what’s best for you.”
The tension in the room thickened. Elder Marco and Elder Tobias exchanged looks, both considering the weight of the argument.
“We have heard both sides,” Elder Tobias finally said, his tone neutral.
“Now, we must decide who will take temporary leadership until Alpha John recovers or—”
Before he could finish, the large wooden doors of the council room suddenly swung open with a loud thud.
A collective gasp rippled through the room as all eyes turned to the entrance.
Standing there, weak but upright, was Alpha John.
His presence alone commanded silence. His piercing gaze swept over the room before settling on his two sons.
“Enough,” he said, his voice hoarse but resolute.
“I will decide.”
A stunned silence fell over the room.
Leonardo’s expression flickered between shock and frustration, while I raised my brows in concern.
Gabriel, standing at the back, let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
Alpha John took a slow step forward, gripping the doorframe for support.
His body was still weak, but his presence alone was enough to silence any objections.
Elder Tobias immediately moved to help him, but John held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks.
“I may be weak,” Alpha John rasped, his eyes sharp despite his condition.
“But I am not dead. And I will not have my sons my own blood tearing this pack apart while I still breathe.”
Leonardo clenched his fists at his sides.
“Father, we weren’t—”
“Enough,”
John repeated, cutting him off. His gaze turned toward me.
“I heard every word.”
I stiffened. I didn’t expect that father would be awake, let alone listening.
John exhaled slowly, his voice calmer but still commanding.
“This pack does not belong to one man’s ego. It does not thrive on selfish ambition.
It needs a leader who understands sacrifice, who can put the people above himself.”
Leonardo’s jaw tightened.
“And that’s me.”
Alpha John finally turned his full attention to him, his expression unreadable.
“Is it?”
Leonardo faltered for the first time, shifting uncomfortably under his father’s gaze.
John sighed, shaking his head slightly.
“I had hoped you would grow into the leader this pack deserves. But leadership is not just about strength, Leonardo.
It is about wisdom, patience, and loyalty to those you serve.”
Leonardo's face flashed with hurt and anger.
John took another breath, his voice regaining some of its strength.
“Until I am fully recovered, there will be no official appointment.
But I will oversee all matters from here, and I will make my decision when the time is right.”
The elders exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves. Elder Tobias stepped forward.
“Then we shall wait for your final decision, Alpha.”
Leonardo looked like he wanted to argue, but he bit his tongue, nostrils flaring as he glanced between his father and me.
“Fine,” he said through gritted teeth.
“I’ll wait.”
But I didn’t miss the fire burning behind my brother’s eyes. And something told me this wasn’t over.